Hill Country Beer Club Central Texas Beer Geeks… Unite!

Whip-In… BrewDog… Draught House… Tasting!

My son, Xander, and I had a pleasant surprise this afternoon (or was it this morning?)... whichever it was, it began with our trip to Whip-In Convenience Store, where I had planned on grabbing lunch (a beer) to get out of the house.  Specifically, I was trying to hunt down the illusive Real Ale Highlander Wood-Aged Real Heavy.  They didn't have it (yet), but luckily the general manager, Dipak Topiwala, was there so I asked him about it.  He hadn't heard about it, but was really interested so picked up the phone and made a call (I'm suspecting he called Real Ale).  He hung up, made another call (probably to the distributor) and told me it was at the warehouse.  It sounded like he was pretty intent on making sure they got some, so I feel assured that they'll carry it.  I just don't know when that'll be.

Xander and I walked around the store to see what was new.  Low and behold, in one of their coolers, were four beers from the famed BrewDog out of Scotland... the same guys that recently made news by brewing Sink the Bismarck, the world's strongest beer, alcohol by volume.  Two of the BrewDog beers on the shelf came home with me: the 18.2% ABV Tokio* Imperial Stout and the 9% ABV Hardcore Imperial IPA.  The stout carried a proud price sticker, but the IPA was reasonably priced... cheap enough that I'm going to drink it soon and go back for another next time I feel like drinking a glass.

I took my lovely selections to the counter and ordered a glass of Independence Brewing Convict Hill Imperial Oatmeal Stout.  I got in a conversation with Dipak about business and babies (this was after I handed Xander to him over the bar for a special manager-guided tour of the store) and asked him about the recent news that they'd be brewing soon.

He seemed excited about the beers they planned on brewing and that they would be heavier, tastier beers to compliment their unique Indian food.  Dipak's goal is to have their own beer on tap by July 4th.  With Jester King opening in August and Thirsty Planet selling beer in April/May (oh, and not to mention whenever it'll be that Hops and Grain will be on the scene), 2010 is going to be a rocking year for new beer in Autin.

Oh, and I just learned that Draught House Pub & Brewery will be hosting a BrewDog tasting Thursday, March 18th, from 7-9PM.  Tickets are $25 (I have no idea if the 30-seat limit has been reached), and brewer James Watt will be "on hand to discuss".  There will be quite a few selections, and it'll be well worth the $25 if you manage to get a ticket.  See BeertownAustin.com for more information.

p.s. Whip-In now fills growlers...